This morning as I left behind nine dragons
on my way over to an incense filled harbor,
my gaze fell on a middle-aged wife counting her rosary beads
which reminded me of the rhythm of my sneaker soles thudding
against night-chilled sidewalks
and stiffened fingers stuffed into sleeves--

When I would listen to Jewel.

In a kingdom oceans away.

All to deafen the achey thumps

(waves?)

in my chest.

A religion in and of itself.

I laughed at myself then,
because I remembered that I'd promised (for the most part)
not to be so affected.